Lourdes University, a longstanding Catholic institution in Sylvania, Ohio, has made headlines with its recent decision to shut down operations. This closure underscores the precarious financial landscape facing many small private colleges across the United States, where demographic shifts and economic pressures are forcing tough choices. Students, faculty, and the local community are now grappling with the implications of this development, as the university prepares to wrap up its nearly seven-decade legacy at the end of the Spring 2026 semester.

Understanding the Announcement and Immediate Timeline

On February 11, 2026, the Board of Trustees of Lourdes University, in consultation with the Sisters of St. Francis, announced the permanent closure of the institution. This decision came after exhaustive reviews of finances, enrollment trends, and long-term viability. The university will cease undergraduate and graduate operations at the conclusion of the current academic year, specifically after the Spring 2026 semester in May. Importantly, all classes, university services, and operations will proceed as normal until that point, ensuring minimal disruption for current students completing their terms.

To oversee this orderly wind-down, Sister Dr. Nancy Linenkugel, OSF, DM—a seasoned higher education administrator formerly at Xavier University and past Congregational Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis—has been appointed as the 13th and final president. She replaces Dr. William J. Bisset, who stepped down from the role. The leadership transition emphasizes a commitment to Franciscan values of care, service, and human dignity during this challenging period.

The announcement was accompanied by dedicated communications, including a letter to students and families outlining reassurances and next steps. Virtual town halls are scheduled, such as one for parents on February 17 at 6 p.m. and another for students on February 18 at 1 p.m. with representatives from the University of Toledo.

A Rich History of Service and Education

Founded in 1958 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Lourdes University began as Lourdes College, evolving into a university in 2011. Nestled on a serene 127-acre campus just west of Toledo, it has served generations of students with a focus on Franciscan spirituality, emphasizing peace, justice, and integrity. Over the decades, the Sisters provided extraordinary financial support, subsidizing operations through tuition revenue shortfalls and enabling the institution to offer affordable Catholic higher education.

The university offered a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, education, nursing, and theology, alongside robust athletic programs as part of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (NAIA). Its Lifelong Learning Programs and Franciscan Center for World Renewal and Ecology—dedicated to environmental stewardship—continued to thrive independently of the closure decision.

This legacy of community engagement made Lourdes a vital part of northwest Ohio, fostering alumni who contribute across professions while upholding Franciscan principles.

The Enrollment Cliff: Numbers Tell the Story

At the heart of Lourdes' challenges lies a steep decline in enrollment, a phenomenon affecting numerous small private colleges nationwide. In the early 2010s, total enrollment peaked near 2,500 students. By fall 2014, it stood at 1,780, and by fall 2024, it had plummeted to just 964—a staggering drop of over 60% in little more than a decade. Undergraduate numbers specifically fell from higher levels, with full-time enrollment around 762 in recent years.

• Demographic downturn: Fewer high school graduates in the Midwest due to birth rate declines post-2008 recession.
• Increased competition: Public universities like the University of Toledo offering lower tuition.
• Shift in student preferences: Rising demand for online and vocational programs over traditional liberal arts.

This "enrollment cliff" mirrors national trends, where small privates struggle to fill seats amid changing student demographics and preferences.

For faculty and staff navigating this transition, resources like higher education career advice on AcademicJobs.com can provide guidance on resume building and job searches.

Financial Pressures Mounting Over Years

Lourdes operated at consistent losses, with 2024 revenue at $35 million against $39.8 million in expenses. Total assets hovered at $38.2 million, but liabilities reached $18.1 million, including restricted endowment funds totaling $13.6 million that limited flexibility. The Sisters' subsidies, once a lifeline, became unsustainable as costs for facilities, faculty salaries, and compliance rose sharply.

Rising operational expenses—insurance, utilities, technology—outpaced tuition growth, exacerbated by discount rates (scholarships reducing net revenue per student). Without a viable path to balance, the Board concluded closure was responsible stewardship.

The Athletics Strategy That Didn't Pay Off

In a bid to reverse enrollment slides, Lourdes aggressively expanded athletics, reaching 72.3% of undergraduates as athletes by recent years—far above national averages. Adding sports like women's flag football aimed to attract recruits, but the strategy faltered amid NAIA competition and costs for coaches, travel, and scholarships outstripping revenue gains.

This mirrors pitfalls at other small colleges where athletics propped up numbers short-term but drained resources long-term, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on non-academic draws.

Impacts on Students: Transfers and Teach-Outs

Current students—approximately 900-1,000—face the most immediate upheaval. The university pledges to honor all academic commitments, partnering with the University of Toledo as a primary teach-out institution. Students in good standing can transfer seamlessly to complete degrees, with credit evaluations underway. Academic transcripts and records will be maintained indefinitely, accessible via a designated repository.

Financial aid continuity is prioritized, with federal loans and grants transferable. Nearby institutions like Walsh University and Adrian College have extended offers, easing transitions. Prospective students are directed to alternatives via Ohio higher ed jobs and programs on AcademicJobs.com.

• Immediate counseling: Dedicated advisors for personalized plans.
• Town halls and resources: Ongoing support sessions.
• Degree completion guarantees: For those near graduation.

Faculty and Staff: Navigating Job Transitions

An estimated 200-300 faculty and staff face layoffs post-May, compounding higher ed's workforce challenges. Contracts are honored through semester end, with severance and outplacement services promised. Many adjuncts and tenure-track professors now seek new roles amid a competitive market.

Opportunities abound in Ohio's robust higher ed sector; platforms like faculty jobs and administrative positions list openings at stable institutions. Career advice on crafting academic CVs can accelerate transitions—see our guide at how to write a winning academic CV.

Community Ripples in Sylvania and Beyond

The closure reverberates locally, ending a key employer and cultural hub in Sylvania, a suburb of Toledo. Economic impacts include reduced spending from students and potential property value shifts near campus. However, the Franciscan Center persists, preserving community programs.

Reactions blend sorrow with resolve; alumni pledge ongoing support, while leaders eye campus repurposing—perhaps for community college or housing.

Part of a National Wave of Closures

Lourdes is not alone: 16 nonprofit colleges shuttered in 2025, matching prior years, with projections of 80 more by 2030. New England saw 32 closures since 2015; Midwest privates like Northland College followed suit. Causes? Enrollment cliffs, stagnant state aid, post-pandemic finances.

Explore trends in US higher ed for deeper insights.

Lessons Learned and Survival Strategies

Small colleges must diversify: online programs, partnerships, niche expertise. Successful pivots include mergers (e.g., California College of the Arts with Vanderbilt) or specialization in high-demand fields like nursing. Data-driven enrollment management and endowment growth are key.

• Audit finances quarterly.
• Invest in marketing and retention.
• Pursue affiliations early.

Administrative leaders can find executive roles via higher ed executive jobs.

Photo by James Fuller on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Opportunities Amid Closure

While bittersweet, Lourdes' closure frees resources for innovation elsewhere. Alumni networks endure, and campus assets may support new educational ventures. For displaced professionals, the market favors experienced educators—rate my professor and university jobs connect talent with institutions.

In summary, this event highlights resilience in higher education. Students, explore higher ed jobs; faculty, leverage career advice; institutions, heed the warnings. AcademicJobs.com stands ready to support your journey.